Kennedy is ONE!

Today I had the pleasure of taking pictures of one of Briggs' BFFs, Kennedy. She turned 1 on April 5th, so we wanted to capture some fun outdoor pics of this sweet ONE YEAR OLD. She was a trooper and a very easy photography subject. Love you Kennedy! Enjoy :)

Our first trip to the Houston Zoo

Finally, after weeks of SAYING we were going to go, we finally WENT to the zoo! I was so excited to take Briggs to see all the animals, but I have to admit, I was even more excited to see them myself. I can't even remember the last time I went to the Houston Zoo...probably at least 15 years ago. WOW that makes me feel old!

We had a fun time as a family, but man, was it exhausting! Briggs was calm and relaxed the entire time and he loved seeing the animals, but once we got home we were all spent. Daddy bought us a family membership, so I plan on taking Briggs back very often. Maybe even once a week until it gets too hot. Next on our to-do list is to go in the morning so we can see the elephants get their baths, and we also want to feed the giraffes. Being a kid is fun! Can't wait till our next trip... maybe this week! ;)

Elephant butts!

Snack time for the elephants

Bongo Drums

Hangin with the chimps

Daddy's showing me the little monkeys

Inspired by Avery

I am so unbelievably touched and inspired by the Canahuati Family. I do not know them, but I wish I did. A friend posted a link to their blog on facebook the other night, and I am so glad I clicked on it. They have found a way to make me EVEN MORE grateful for the gift of life, and more specifically, the gift of motherhood. They have a beautiful 5 month old daughter, Avery, who was just diagnosed with SMA. Sadly, she has a very short life expectancy, but her wonderful, devoted parents have set out to make EVERY second count in sweet Avery's life. Their story is truly admirable. I hope that Blake and I can be half the parents that they are being for their precious daughter.

Please take a moment to look at their blog, and help Avery spread the word about SMA. Share this with everyone you know. While it won't save her in this lifetime, she's hoping that her story will bring awareness to the genetic disorder so that we CAN find a cure and eventually save other children who are born with SMA. Here's the link to her blog:

Avery Can

Avery and her parents have compiled a very extensive "Bucket List" of things she wants to accomplish in her short life. Her parents are nothing short of extraordinary and I admire their strength and courage during this difficult time. Their approach to making sure Avery lives the most rewarding life possible is simply amazing! They have inspired me in numerous ways, but perhaps most importantly, they are spreading the message of not taking life for granted. Today I was watching videos on their blog that brought me to tears -- tears of happiness for the joy that they are currently experiencing with their daughter, and tears of sadness for the inevitable pain they will face all too soon. If nothing else, they can surely inspire us all to live every day like it's our last.

In honor of Avery, I am putting together a list of the things I am MOST grateful for in my life. I could go on forever about things I am thankful for, but this list is specifically things that I cannot live without. After this I am going to make sure I spend every day SHOWING my gratitude for these beautiful blessings in my life, and above all else, I am devoting myself to making sure that Briggs laughs everyday, plays like there's no tomorrow, and is smothered by hugs and kisses because he is so unbelievably loved.

ALSO In honor of Avery, Briggs and I danced around the living room like maniacs today! IT WAS A BLAST! We will definitely be doing that more often. I hope that Briggs can meet sweet Avery one of these days. She lives in Houston...so mommy might have to figure out a way to make that happen :)

Things I am forever grateful for:

• My loving Husband
• My BEAUTIFUL, cheerful, playful, giggly, cuddly, smiley, talkative, healthy BABY BOY
• The ability to undergo Infertility Treatments to achieve my dreams of having children
• My dedicated parents who selflessly sacrificed many things in life to give their 4 children everything they ever wanted and needed
• My 3 brothers who beat me up and picked on me all my life
• All of our loving family - Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc.
• The best Grandparents Briggs could every ask for
• A job that allows me to live the most fulfilling life possible
• Friends who I have fun with no matter what we're doing
• Baby smiles
• Baby laughs
• Stinky dog kisses
• Sunshine
• Sweating
• My cozy home
• Music for dancing
• Clean drinking water and fresh air
• The ability to run
• Naps with my baby
• Briggs' smile
• Eskimo kisses
• Dancing around like a maniac with Briggs in my arms
• June 13, 2009 - My wedding day
• June 5, 2011 - The day Briggs was born

I'm sure there are many more things I need to add to this list, but it's a start. I really want to take time  to stop and smell the roses more often, and I also want to do everything in my power to provide Briggs with the most rewarding life possible. From now on my #1 priority is to have FUN everyday!

Hug your babies, kiss your spouses, and tell your family you love them :)   And send all of your extra thoughts and prayers to Avery and her amazing parents. They deserve it.